CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Cleveland NAACP said the Cleveland Police Patrolmen's Association's refusal to hold the flag for the Browns' season opener is "fanning flames of racial division."

A statement released Tuesday afternoon says the branch respects the association's right to free speech under the Constitution, but hopes the union understands the impact a counter-protest has in the community.

"While the NAACP would support the right of the CPPA to engage in whatever counter-demonstration they feel is appropriate, we would hope that they would understand that their actions in refusing to present the flag as a counter-demonstration to these professional athletes are, at best, divisive and, at worse another sign that there still exists a significant cultural gap between the police and the minority community," the statement said. "The people of Cleveland deserve better and the CPPA should lead by example instead of fanning the flames of racial division."

CPPA President Steve Loomis said the union would not participate in the Sept. 10 pregame ceremonies because someBrowns playersrefused to stand for the national anthem last month. Loomis said that is offensive to the sacrifices that people made, allowing the players to enjoy the success that they have.

Loomis said the front office of the Browns condoned the disrespectful behavior of its employees.

Cleveland Police Chief Calvin Williams said the CPPA does not represent the views of all officers within department.

"As law enforcement officers, we took an oath to serve and to protect," he said in a Sunday statement. "We protect the rights of all citizens to express their views as protected by the First Amendment of our constitution, no matter the issue. Our American flag is an important symbol to our great country and we, as officers, will continue to salute it."